2019 German Vázquez Rubio "Solista" No. 12519 CD/IN

This 2019 German Vázquez Rubio “Solista” No. 12519 is a classical guitar with a cedar top and Indian rosewood back and sides, made in Los Angeles, California, French polished throughout.

Why the “Solista” Sounds Warmer

Called the “Solista”, this concert model features German’s newest bracing system, which had previously only been used in his top, elite models. In the trebles above all, the bracing gives a fatter tone, and the whole guitar sounds warmer for it. The system was so well received in the elite models that German introduced it in this simpler design while keeping the same high standard of sound – Indian rosewood for the back and sides instead of more exotic woods, and less ornate inlay work.

Playing It

It is very easy to play, with a smooth, comfortable neck, and powerful enough for the concert stage, whether solo or in an ensemble. It is fitted with a 20th fret for repertoire requiring a high C natural. Normally the back and sides of this model are lacquered, but this particular guitar has been French polished throughout. No. 12519 is written on the label, which is dated 2019 and signed by German. It is a very versatile and strong instrument by any standard.

German Vázquez Rubio: Early Years in Paracho, Mexico

German Vázquez Rubio (also known as G.V. Rubio) has been making guitars since 1968 – over fifty years – and has developed his own signature sound that guitarists have come to love. He was born in 1952 in Paracho, Mexico, where there is an abundance of fine luthiers (with few exceptions, all of the finest guitars in Mexico come from Paracho). German’s first formal training began at eleven years old, when he left school to help support his seven siblings and went to work in the workshop of his uncle, Manuel Rubio. There, even at his young age, he made a conscious effort to make guitar building his life’s work.

“Desde 1968”

In 1968, at the age of sixteen, he made his first concert-level guitar (hence his label reads “Desde 1968”). German has since been able to learn from many different master builders such as Félix Manzanero, José Romanillos and Thomas Humphrey. He now resides in Los Angeles, California, where he builds a variety of both classical and flamenco models. He is also the maker of the real-life guitar from the Disney/Pixar film Coco – you can read more in our article on German Vázquez Rubio and the real Coco guitar.

First Prize in Mexico

In 2000, German won First Place at the Concurso Nacional de Constructores y Ejecutantes de Guitarras, Mexico’s national guitar-making competition.